Saraswat Cultural and Recreational Centre
Background:

Saraswat Cultural & Recreation Centre (SCRC) is a Cultural Unit of GSB Sabha, Dahisar- Borivali created to give necessary focus for extending certain Social, Cultural and Recreational Facilities to the public by developing a plot of 1.76 acres of land allotted to the Sabha by Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai (MCGM) for Developing as a recreation ground. Some such important facilities required to be provided by SCRC within the specified time-frame have been laid down by MCGM in their letter of allotment land.

Items of development:

The Sabha/ SCRC have been conscious from the very beginning, of the expectations of the MCGM and have engaged themselves with their plans of action. Some important facilities required are:

1. Provision of green cover with planting mix of trees and flower plants

2. Children’s park

3. Joggers park

4.Senior Citizens park

5. Library/ Reading room

6. Health Centre / Gym

7. Community hall for cultural and social activities and for public meetings

8. Computer Centre / Dance or Music Centre

9. Public toilet facilities

Progress made so far:

The progress made during the last 4 years is quite encouraging in as much as the following items of work have been completed:

1. Ground leveling

2. Raising of greenery with coconut trees and flower plants

3. Provision of certain basic infrastructure such as electricity, water connection, erection of water tanks, proper drainage facilities, and public toilet facilities.

4. Senior citizens park with proper lawn and sitting arrangements together with Tulsi Vrindavan which was inaugurated by H.H. Param Pujya Shri Sudhindra Tirtha Swamiji, on June 21, 2009.

5. Walking track along the boundary line of the plot

6. Store-cum-office room

7. Kitchen

Important functions held on the ground:

Among the various functions held on the ground by GSB Sabha/ SCRC, mentioned may be made of:

a) Vriksharopana Ceremony on Oct 2nd, 2007

b) Charana Sparsha Ceremony on Feb 21st, 2008 by inviting H.H. Param Pujya Shri Sudhindra Tirtha Swamiji, Mathadhipati of Sri Kashi Math Samsthan, Varanasi

c) 10day Navaratri festival for 4 consecutive years from 2008 to 2011

d) Sri Mahalaxmi Pooja on Dec 26th 2010 as a part of Silver Jubilee Commemorative Celebration

e) Tulsi Pooja on Nov 7th, 2011

f) Haldi Kumkum during all 4 Navaratri celebrations

g) Makar Sankranti during the last year

Unfinished Agenda:

Although considerable progress has been made so far, much remains to be achieved as contemplated by the MCGM within the time-frame fixed by them. The main constraint is of funds and the Sabha is seriously engaged in vigorous fund collection drive to accomplish the tasks ahead.

Future perspectives:

The Sabha had constituted in right earnest, an Advisory Board comprising certain resourceful members to advise and guide the Sabha for proper planning and effective implementation of the entire project. Sabha/ SCRC feel quite confident and assured that with proper direction from the Advisory Board and adequate financial support from certain identified donors, it will be possible to accomplish the tasks ahead. Further, the Sabha is also blessed with a committed Managing Committee and certain other members who are ready to shoulder any responsibility to serve the institution with resolve and sincerity.

These positive factors would go a long way in enabling the Sabha to accomplish the unfinished agenda in the foreseeable future.

Managing Committee

GSB Sabha, Dahisar Borivali